Not Just Chest Pain: 5 Silent Signs of a Heart Attack That Most Indians Ignore
By Dr. Dhiraj Kumar Gaurav in Cardiology Interventional Cardiology
Dec 25, 2025
Not Just Chest Pain: 5 Silent Signs of a Heart Attack That Most Indians Ignore
A heart attack doesn’t always feel like a crushing weight on the chest. In fact, nearly 45% of heart attacks are “silent,” showing vague symptoms that most Indians mistake for common gas or acidity.1 If you are in the Delhi NCR region and feel unusual discomfort, knowing these silent signs could save your life. At Metro Hospitals, Noida, we believe that early detection is the only way to prevent permanent heart damage.
The Indian Context: Why We Are at Risk?
According to recent data, Indians are genetically prone to heart disease 5-10 years earlier than other ethnicities.2 With the high-stress lifestyle and pollution levels in Noida and Delhi, the risk of “Silent Myocardial Infarction” (SMI) has spiked.
The 5 Silent Signs You Should Never Ignore
1. Intense Indigestion or “Heartburn”
Most Indians have a habit of taking an antacid the moment they feel discomfort in the upper abdomen. However, unexplained nausea, vomiting, or a feeling of “heavy acidity” can actually be the heart struggling to pump blood. If your “gas” doesn’t go away with a simple antacid, it’s time to see a cardiologist in Noida.
2. Unexplained Fatigue and Exhaustion
If you suddenly feel like you’ve run a marathon after just climbing a few stairs or doing basic household chores, take it seriously. A weak heart causes blood flow to the muscles to decrease, leading to sudden, extreme tiredness.
3. Discomfort in the Jaw, Neck, or Back
A heart attack doesn’t always stay in the chest. The pain can “radiate.” Many patients at Metro Hospital report feeling a dull ache in the lower jaw, or a strange tightness in the upper back or neck. These symptoms are frequently mistaken for discomfort from an improper sleeping posture or dental issues.
4. Cold Sweats and Lightheadedness
Breaking out in a cold sweat while sitting in an air-conditioned room in Delhi NCR is a major red flag. If this is accompanied by a feeling of dizziness or “blacking out,” your heart may not be getting enough oxygen.
5. Shortness of Breath (Without a Cough)
If you find it difficult to catch your breath while resting or talking, it is a sign that fluid might be building up in your lungs due to heart struggle. This is often the most common “silent” symptom ignored by middle-aged Indians.
TAVI: The Modern Solution for Valve-Related Heart Issues
Sometimes, these silent symptoms are caused by Aortic Stenosis (a blocked heart valve). In the past, this meant big surgeries. Today, Metro Hospitals, Noida offers TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)—a stitchless, “keyhole” procedure that replaces the valve without opening the chest.
Why Choose Metro Hospitals, Noida for Heart Care?
| Feature | Why We Lead in Delhi NCR |
| Expertise | Led by the best heart surgeons in Noida with 30+ years of experience. |
| Technology | Advanced Cath Labs and 24/7 Emergency Cardiac Care. |
| Success Rate | Over 98% success rate in minimally invasive heart procedures like TAVI. |
| Accessibility | Located in the heart of Noida, making it reachable within minutes for NCR residents. |
What to Do in an Emergency?
If you or someone near you shows these signs:
- Don’t Wait: Every minute counts. “Time is Muscle.”
- Take Aspirin: If recommended by a doctor over the phone, it can help thin the blood.3
- Reach Metro Hospital: Our emergency team is trained for “Primary Angioplasty” to open blockages immediately.
Prevention: The 30-Minute Rule
90% of heart attacks are preventable. * Check-ups: Get a Comprehensive Health Checkup (starting at ₹999) at Metro Hospital.
- Activity: 30 minutes of brisk walking.
- Diet: Reduce salt and trans-fats (fried foods) common in Indian snacks.
Conclusion: Listen to Your Heart
A heart attack doesn’t always shout—sometimes it whispers. By ignoring the “silent” signs, you give the disease more time to damage your heart.4 If you are looking for the top cardiology hospital near me in Noida, Metro Hospitals & Heart Institute is committed to keeping your heart strong, with advanced care that minimizes the need for major surgery.”
FAQ
Q1: How can I tell the difference between Gas and a Heart Attack?
Answer: Gas pain is usually sharp and moves around.5 Heart-related discomfort is typically a “pressure” or “heaviness” that may spread to the jaw or arms and doesn’t improve with antacids.6 When in doubt, get an ECG at Metro Hospital Noida.
Q2: Is TAVI safer than Open-Heart Surgery for seniors?
Answer: Yes. TAVI is stitchless and doesn’t require opening the chest, making it the safest option for patients over 65 or those with diabetes and kidney issues.7
Q3: What is the cost of a Heart Checkup in Noida?
Answer: At Metro Hospitals, we offer specialized heart screening packages starting as low as ₹999, including ECG, ECHO, and consultations.
